Nimba County is currently engulfed in tension as the presence of the Country Devil brings Arcelor Mittal’s operations in Yekepa to a grinding halt.
It is reported that in Gompa, a vivid picture of escalating conflict, rooted in the company’s alleged disregard for the terms of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
According to our source, the Country Devil’s intervention stems from Arcelor Mittal’s failure to fulfill its obligations, particularly in relation to the payment of Nimba County’s share of the Social Development Fund.
In response to this perceived injustice, the Country Devil and its followers have launched a concerted effort to disrupt the company’s activities, culminating in the occupation of concession areas and the forced evacuation of workers.
Today, at the Capitol Building in Moravia, mine-affected communities of Zor, Sehyi, Yarmie, and Gboa emerged as vocal opponents of Arcelor Mittal’s bid to extend its operations.
In a unified stance, they have vehemently rejected the company’s plea for an extension of the Mineral Development Agreement, citing a litany of grievances that range from environmental degradation to the violation of community rights.
Central to their opposition is ArcelorMittal’s alleged pattern of non-compliance with the existing agreement with the government.
The communities in a communique presented at the Legislature decry broken promises of sustainable mining practices, which have left behind a legacy of shattered trust and unfulfilled commitments.
Their protest extends beyond mere words, as the mine-affected communities have taken their grievances directly to the halls of power in the nation’s capital.
By drawing attention to their plight, they seek to hold their representatives accountable and ensure that their voices are heard through their presence at Capital Building on today.
In their impassioned plea for justice, the communities highlight Arcelor Mittal’s alleged disregard for the Community Land Rights Act, which they see as emblematic of the company’s broader indifference to the welfare of local populations.
“The environmental toll of Arcelor Mittal’s operations is underscored by the communities, who bear witness to the depletion of biodiversity, the destruction of vital ecosystems, and the pervasive health ailments that have become all too common in areas where the company operates”, they indicated.
As tensions continue to simmer in Nimba County, the mine-affected communities told reporters that they stand firm in their demand for accountability and redress.
It is believed their struggle is not just against a single corporation, but against a system that prioritizes profit over people.
As they raise their voices in defiance to the company’s operational expansion, they are sending a message for immediate attention.
